Practice Meaning
Practice Definition & Usage
The repeated exercise of an activity or skill to improve performance.
Examples
- "She dedicated hours of practice to perfecting her piano skills."
- "His practice of yoga every morning kept him physically and mentally fit."
- "In order to pass the driving test, a lot of practice is required."
- "The team's practice session was canceled due to bad weather."
- "He said that his practice was not only about playing the sport but about mastering it."
The professional work or business that someone regularly engages in, especially when it involves a specialized skill.
Examples
- "Her law practice has been thriving for over ten years."
- "He decided to open a private medical practice after completing his residency."
- "They visited their doctor's practice for a routine check-up."
- "John has a dental practice in the city center."
- "The architect's practice focused on sustainable urban development."
To engage in regular activity to improve skills or knowledge.
Examples
- "She practices playing the violin every day."
- "He practices mindfulness to reduce stress."
- "We should practice speaking French if we want to improve."
- "The team practiced for hours to prepare for the final match."
- "I need to practice writing essays before the exam."
To follow or engage in a particular way of life, custom, or belief system.
Examples
- "They practice Christianity by attending church every Sunday."
- "Many people practice meditation to achieve inner peace."
- "She practices sustainable living by reducing waste and conserving resources."
- "He practices what he preaches when it comes to environmental protection."
- "The community practices a strict vegetarian diet for ethical reasons."
Cultural Context
The word 'practice' originates from the Latin word 'practicus', meaning 'practical' or 'fit for action'. Over time, it has evolved into common usage in both professional and personal contexts. It is widely used across fields such as sports, arts, medicine, and law to denote routine actions or regular professional activity.
The Practice of Life
Story
The Practice of Life
Emma had always been fascinated by the violin. As a child, she was captivated by the sound it produced, a beautiful combination of precision and emotion. She had started learning at the age of six, and now, as an adult, she was determined to reach the next level. Each evening, after a long day at work, she dedicated two hours to practice. Her fingers danced across the strings with precision, her bow moving in fluid, controlled movements, but it wasn’t just about technique. The music, the emotion behind each note—Emma was trying to master it all. One evening, after her session, her friend Olivia stopped by to visit. She had recently become a lawyer and was struggling to find balance in her life. ‘I can’t seem to get the hang of this practice thing,’ she said, referring to her law practice. ‘The demands are endless.’ Emma smiled. ‘Well, I’ve found that the only way to improve is through practice—whether it’s the violin, or law, or life. You need to practice your skills consistently, and eventually, it all comes together.’ Olivia sighed, sitting down with a cup of tea. ‘I know. But it feels so much like a never-ending cycle sometimes, especially when there are clients expecting results.’ ‘That’s the thing,’ Emma replied. ‘Just like with my violin, it’s all about finding your rhythm and committing to the practice, no matter how challenging it gets. What are you practicing in your law practice? Is it the negotiation skills, or the paperwork?’ Olivia thought for a moment. ‘I think it’s about practicing patience and balance. I’m still learning how to juggle the demands.’ ‘Exactly,’ Emma said. ‘You’re already practicing—you’re just doing it in a different way.’ Later that night, Emma returned to her violin, feeling more inspired than ever. Her practice had not just been about improving her technique—it had been about understanding the deeper connection between all the different ways we practice in life: patience, skill, and belief in ourselves. As the last note echoed through the room, she realized that practice wasn’t just an activity. It was a way of life.
Related Words
